The Best Movies of 2025 So Far
From Sinners to One Battle After Another, these films are the top reasons to visit the cinema this year.
A Silent Voice Director's Latest
The newest film from acclaimed anime director Naoko Yamada is a joyful story about three teenagers using music to navigate their future. Filled with whimsical fantasy and profound abstractions, the story remains true to the inner life of Totsuko, a high school girl who perceives people's "colours." This beautifully sensitive coming-of-age animation may prove to be the standout film of the year.
Marvel's New Direction with Florence Pugh
If the underwhelming Phase 5 of the MCU has given us one highlight, it's Florence Pugh. She shines as the troubled Russian assassin Yelena Belova in a deliberately rough-around-the-edges team-up film. The movie tackles relatable themes like trauma, depression, and mental health while facing new superhuman threats. Marvel’s shift from excessive VFX to practical effects, guided by indie director Jake Schreier (Paper Towns), adds a refreshing charm.
- The rest of the Thunderbolts team provides entertaining support.
- David Harbour excels as a former Soviet hero facing obsolescence with charm and humor.
- Even the post-credit scene is worth the wait.
Paul Greengrass' Signature Style
Paul Greengrass continues his legacy of combining intense action with ethical depth in his filmmaking.
"Paul Greengrass has built a career on mixing hyper-kinetic action with moral complexity."
Author’s summary: The top films of 2025 reveal fresh emotional depth and innovative storytelling, with standout performances and thoughtful direction shaping a captivating cinema year.
Would you prefer a more formal or conversational style for the summary?